Navigating DAFF's Import Document Assessment Delays

In March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) issued a crucial notice impacting importers, customs brokers, and maritime industry participants. This notice, titled "40-2024: Import Document Assessment Delays," addresses anticipated delays in the assessment of import documentation for non-urgent commodities through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS).

Understanding the Challenges

The DAFF predicts challenges in meeting published client service standards due to high volumes of entry lodgements and a sustained high workload. Despite these pressures, urgent commodity assessments are expected to remain timely, showcasing DAFF's commitment to maintaining a robust biosecurity system without compromising on efficiency.

DAFF's Strategic Response

To mitigate these delays, DAFF has initiated several strategic measures:

Recruitment Drive: Onboarding 75 new assessment officers nationally to bolster assessment capabilities.
Risk Assessment Reviews: Adjusting the risk profiles for various commodities to reduce unnecessary interventions.
Workforce Reallocation: Temporarily diverting resources to prioritize document assessment functions.
Peak Period Strategies: Implementing measures to maximize capacity with existing resources.

How the Maritime Industry Can Assist

The notice outlines several ways the maritime industry can contribute to minimizing delays:

Accurate Documentation: Ensuring all documents and information are lodged accurately and completely.
Utilization of Class 19: Encouraging the increased use of Approved Arrangement Class 19 for expedited processing.
Advanced Lodging: Submitting documents well before the arrival of goods.
Reducing Queries: Avoiding repetitive status checks, which divert DAFF resources from assessments.

This guide aims to provide maritime industry stakeholders with an understanding of the current challenges and strategies related to import document assessments, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process in dealing with DAFF's requirements.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):